Topic: Information on Cancer

More than a thousand substances found in the environment, natural and synthetic, may cause cancer. Most are chemicals or sources of radiation, both of which alter the molecular structure of cells in ways that change their functions.

Nearly 300,000 American (20s, 30s, and 40s) enjoy cancer-free healthy lives The current generation of adults is the first to grow up in the era of successful treatment for many childhood cancers. Nearly 300,000 American adults who are now in their 20s, 30s, and 40s enjoy cancer-free, healthy lives. Doctors consider treatments for most types of leukemia, […]

Complementary Therapies Therapies outside the realm of conventional medical methods that are promoted to relieve cancer symptoms. Alternative practices are used instead of conventional treatments and methods; complementary practices are used in conjunction with conventional treatments and methods. Some therapies and remedies may be either alternative or complementary, depending on how they are used. Because […]

Definition of Cancer Risk Factor The circumstances that may increase an individual’s chance for developing cancer. Cancer risk is a combination of hereditary, environmental, viral, bacterial, immunologic, and lifestyle factors that alter cell structure and function. Age is the most significant single risk factor for cancer, with most cancer developing in people age 50 and older. […]

Cancer Treatment Options The methods and protocols available to treat cancer and its symptoms. Most cancer treatment involves a combination of methods. There are a number of conventional treatment options for cancer: Surgery for cancer, in which the doctor performs an operation to remove the cancer, is the treatment of first choice for most solid […]

Living With Cancer Methods for handling the physical, emotional, financial, and other stresses of a cancer diagnosis. The diagnosis of cancer is a life-altering event, no matter the type of cancer and its prognosis. Few other health conditions evoke such intense emotions. Though each individual responds uniquely, cancer evokes in everyone a recognition of vulnerability […]

Definition of Diagnosing Cancer Diagnosing cancer is the procedures and tests that determine whether cancer is present. The diagnostic journey often begins with an unusual finding on a screening procedure, such as a mammogram or prostate specific antigen (psa)blood test, or diagnostic procedure done for another purpose such as an X-RAY or a complete blood count (CBC). Sometimes […]

Diet and Cancer The ways in which foods and nutrients influence the risk for cancer, cancer development, and the effectiveness of cancer treatment. A number of foods have emerged that appear to contain substances that have cancerfighting capabilities. Substances found in foods that appear able to help the immune system suppress the development and growth of cancer […]

Introduction Personal factors that may contribute to the prevention or the development of cancer. The most significant lifestyle factors related to cancer are smoking, diet, OBESITY, and exposure to environmental carcinogens. Smoking and Other Tobacco Use Cigarette smoking accounts for 87 percent of lung cancer in the United States, making lung cancer one of the most preventable […]

What is Pain Management The ability to improve comfort and provide relief from pain and related symptoms that cancer and cancer treatment may cause. Many people worry about the potential for their cancer to cause pain. However, the broad spectrum of available analgesic medications and other methods provide numerous options to manage, and often entirely […]

Radiation Therapy Options The use of ionizing electromagnetic energy particles or waves to destroy cancer cells. Radiation is the emission of energy in a pattern of rays, such as visible light. Ionizing radiation is a form of energy of sufficient intensity to alter the electronic charge of atoms and the structure of molecules, such as […]